What characterizes the enactive stage of intellectual development according to Bruner?

The enactive stage of intellectual development, as outlined by Jerome Bruner, is characterized by learning through actions. This stage emphasizes that knowledge is acquired through direct manipulation and interaction with the environment, allowing individuals to engage physically with objects and experiences. Through actions, learners build a foundation for understanding concepts by experiencing and exploring their world firsthand, which is crucial in early developmental stages.

In contrast, the other stages of learning involve different approaches. Abstract reasoning pertains to the iconic or symbolic stages, where learners begin to engage with concepts in more sophisticated ways, such as through visual images or language. Learning through visual imagery and models activates the symbolic understanding that comes later in development, while learning through verbal communication involves using language to convey and construct knowledge. Thus, the enactive stage is specifically distinguished by the hands-on, action-oriented experiences that root initial learning before progressing to more abstract forms of understanding.